Ginger's Reasons for Seeking a City Council Seat
I love Poway. I understand this sounds simple, but I'm sure I bleed green. From our residents, to our parks, to raising our families, Poway is a special place.
As the daughter of a career Army officer, I went to 8 schools and graduated in Germany. Needless to say, I didn't put roots down. My husband and I answered a small ad for a house in Poway, and here we are 19 years later. The testament to Poway is how many of my friends attended Poway High and chose to raise their family here, and now, those kids hope to raise their families here as well.
As other communities had a tough time with the recession, Poway stayed true to its history and the many cutbacks necessary were not directly felt by our residents. By maintaining a large reserve, hiring amazing people, and truly serving the community we emerged through the difficult time successfully. Looking forward, it is important to maintain our reserves so we remain strong during these economic fluctuations. I am aware that our expenses are growing at a higher rate than our revenues. This is an issue I want to learn more about as it will impact not only our generation, but the next.
Water, or lack of, is going to be a problem for many years to come. How we communicate to our residents will greatly influence how we successfully encourage conservation and prepare the community for the increasing rates. Between the water reclamation program and the desalinization plant in Carlsbad, having water sourced locally will be a large benefit. Again, how this is communicated will be paramount.
Participating in the design of the new Community Center from conception over 10 years ago, I want to see it built. From the initial meetings where we glued pictures on paper to accommodate all the needs of the community, to seeing preliminary drawings, to seeing the funding taken by the State, it’s time to complete the project.
Being a part of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, I am deeply concerned with the properties in jeopardy with the State because of the Redevelopment loss. I am eager to see which properties we are able to keep and what will happen to some of the others that are extremely important to our City such as the parking areas and unbuildable land in the flood zones that are useful as parks. This will have profound effect on park expansion, low cost housing, and other facilities such as the future site of Next Stage U.
In addition to the project updates and reviews presented at the Parks and Recreation Meetings, we have had presentations by concerned community members. I understand the Silverset Dog Issue will be coming up shortly and I have been part of this for almost two years. It has been a wonderful example of Democracy, but they deserve resolution. Another issue is the parking at our parks and trailheads, this is another area where I have been briefed.
Having been involved with the City for over 10 years, I am very comfortable in gathering information, completing permits, finding who to ask for guidance and understanding a general idea of the process and timing. Answering the call to help with the parade last year and developing the Jack-O-Smash race, I worked with Robin and Belinda (Community Services), Archie (Public Works) and the Sheriff Department. I enjoy connecting the dots and helping people find resolution. I’ve recently advised Poway High School Rugby and now the foundation and program is going strong!
I had the wonderful experience to work with Poway-based corporate sponsors for the parade, Jack-O-Smash, and other fundraisers. These businesses are such assets to our community. I look forward to improving the relationships and continuing to encourage businesses to join us. With the study of Poway Road, we may be able to attract some new businesses so many residents will be encouraged to enjoy a meal or beer here in town than driving to our neighbors.
As an avid runner. Our trail system is amazing. I spent over an hour with Bob Hahn who educated me our trail system and how he carefully works to join existing trails. Under his stewardess, our trails are world class.
Old Poway Park, Veterans Park, Farmer’s Market, and PGSL Softball Fields are gems in the heart of our community. PGSL’s CUP is scheduled for review this year. Having a daughter that played with them for 6 years, I want to make sure the new CUP is best for the neighbors and the league.
The Poway Center for the Performing Arts is making exciting changes. With the community’s support and the creativity of their board, the performances are exciting and well attended. I am eager to see what they have planned for the next few years and how we can maximize its use.
This summer, being a Host City for the Special Olympics, is going to be a great experience for our community. As with Veteran’s Park, when our community works together, funds are donated and projects happen. Thanks to Sue Herndon, Sharon Cafagna, Kevin McNamara, Tony Rubino, and others, our City is able to take advantage of this special event. I know the Community Services Department, the Kiwanis, and more are brainstorming activities. As with Jack-O-Smash, bringing awareness to the special needs community is important and rewarding and I look forward to participating.
With my experiences with youth sports and as a realtor, I have learned to manage people’s expectations. When a situation involves someone’s family or home, it must be approached differently than a business transaction. This may involve telling someone “no” in order to do what is best for the whole. As a real estate broker, I am fiducially responsible for people’s number one most valuable asset. As a board member on PYSL, PGSL and all my various committees, I learned that managing expenses is critical before raising revenue. Our council must always consider that every dollar the City spends has been hard-earned by our residents and businesses.
As I explored the possibility of throwing my hat in for this appointment, I reached out to many people in the community for their input. From current Councilmen, Neil Tarzy, Lori Simon, Chuck and Mary Cross, Kimberly Beatty, (and the list goes on), I gained great insight on the history of Poway, Council, and what they feel is important moving forward. This process has been enlightening and enjoyable.
Through my time with soccer, Poway Sports Association, lacrosse, Pop Warner, basketball, softball, Chaparral, Twin Peaks, Poway High (you get the idea), I thought I knew a lot of people. However, attending the City’s Volunteer Picnic, Concerts in the Park, and other events, I realize Poway’s a big place. I am looking forward to meeting more of the community and finding out what they like and don’t like about Poway. As the goal is to always improve, I bet there are some great ideas out there and I’m eager to listen.
